Derby County have confirmed on their official website that young duo Morgan Whittaker and Jason Knight have penned new contracts at the club.
The two youngsters are among the best players to come through the academy in recent years. Tying them down to new deals could see the Rams net millions down the line.
Knight has recently broken into the first team eleven. The 18-year-old has started ten Championship games this season, scoring three goals.
Capable of playing across the midfield, the Ireland U21 international is full of energy. He is decent in possession, hard-working and a big threat in the final third.
Derby sold academy players Jeff Hendrick and Will Hughes in recent seasons. The duo fetched the Rams a combined £15 million from Burnley and Watford respectively.
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Knight has the potential to command a similar fee alone.
Morgan Whittaker is a little further behind in his development, but the forward is also starting to earn first-team action after a superb run at U18 and U23 level.
Whittaker posted 24 goals and 16 assists in 37 appearances for Derby’s academy last season. His success earned him international recognition at England U19 level.
The 19-year-old has made 13 first team appearances in all competitions this season.
Derby have one of the best academies in the country right now. Jayden Bogle, Max Lowe, Max Bird and Louie Sibley are also in or around the first team set-up.
Owner Mel Morris has put a lot of money into Derby’s academy and its training facilities. It’s only a matter of time before the club reap the rewards from that.
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